Hi mamas - in responding to another post I realized that I *still* after 36 years in New England do not own a proper winter jacket. I have along dress coat which I wear once a season, a 3-season jacket that is fine for going from the house to the car to the office but nothing for being outside for long stretches (or in a hockey rink).
I get the LL Bean catalogs but am overwhelmed with the choices. I'm looking for something warm, waterproof, lightweight and not bulky. I don't want to look like a giant puffball. Something that keeps my butt warm while sitting on the hockey bleachers would be nice but nothing longer than the bottom of my hip. I'm willing to invest in something that is flattering, looks clean all season and will last for years.
Do you have a jacket that you love? What is it and what do you love about it?
Thanks!
My DH has a thin Columbia jacket that is so warm he doesn't wear it til it's pretty cold out. Mine is some off brand off Overstock.com. It works fine. Has down in it.
Def. get a hood, and one you can take off is nice, too.
I like something loose and a little baggy.
You can layer sweater/turtleneck/flannel shirt underneath it.
You want to be warm (trap air pockets) without over heating because if you get sweating hot, the sweat will dampen and then you'll get cold.
You're behind will get cold sitting on (aluminum?) bleachers unless you have a seat cushion (or a longer jacket - mid thigh length, hip length isn't long enough) between you and the cold seat.
A hat/hood/headband/ear muffs will keep your head warm.
Mittens/gloves/hand warmers in your pockets can keep your hands warms.
Socks/foot warmers/boots can keep your feet warm.
Honestly, and I don't care what kind of responses I get...my favorite coat for winter (and I live in Minnesota and it's VERY cold and windy) is a fur coat. I believe animals are totally cute and shouldn't be abused, but that they were put her for our use and that includes their fur. I can't tell you how much warmer my fur lined coat is than any other coat I have EVER tried on. The one I speak of is suede on the outside and fox on the inside, and I can go out in 40 below weather and not feel cold.
I have an LLbean jacket that would be perfect for what you're looking for it's called the Faux-Shearling Coat (it comes in jacket, coat and boot length). The coat length is long enough so that when you sit down it's under your bottom.
I live in MN and it has been MORE than warm enough for me. I ended up buying the Chamois color, NOT my favorite of the choices, but I had been wearing a black wool coat and it was CONSTANTLY getting dirty when i rubbed against a car, etc.. Often my back side would be a total mess (salt/dirt) and I wouldn't know until the end of the day when I took it off. this color really hides all of that.
Don't ever worry about buying something from LLBean - they have THE BEST return policy. You could even buy 2-3 coats and see which one you like the best and return the others. they are a GREAT company to deal with.
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When I lived up north my favorite winter coat was a ski jacket. I can't remember the brand name. I would choose something that is made with Gore-Tex, North Face makes them. It is usually thin and really warm. I still have my almost 15 year old ski jacket and plan to use it when I visit up north.
North Face brand. There are many styles to choose from. They are very warm but not bulky. Kind of pricey but worth it. You will love it!
OMG!
I did the same thing! (12 years in Seattle before I bought a proper coat!)
I cannot TELL you how much happier I am now that I am actually WARM in the winter.
I do it with layers.
Everyday Use: Underarmor under my streetclothes (like spandex, but WARM spandex), Outdoor Research 1st layer zip through jacket, Outdoor Research softshell jacket http://www.backcountry.com/outdoor-research-womens-jackets
Fashionably Warm: Wool fitted peacoat. I get mine from the UK, because I'm tall, so I can't help you there, unless you 5'11/6'3 or so.
Northface's are the best!!!!!! Use a coupon at macy's and get one... the down ones are the best. super comfy and will last years and years. I have had mine for 4 years now. def. worth the money
What I love is to stay warm! Anything down or down-alternative (synthetic fluffy fiber) is very warm. I have a long down coat from Lands End (($159 on sale last winter, great for long walks and to cover work clothes) as well as a shorter down alternative coat from Sears ($39 at the end of the season some years back). Both have hoods which are essential in my opinion. For shoveling snow I have a pair of snow pants (also used for sledding) that I wear with a hoodie since you always get so hot when shoveling. Also ideal are the BOGS brand rubber insulated boots, totally water proof (and oil proof and horse barn yuk proof) and very warm and even good for walking in.
